I find it amusing that Cat sent me this article on exercises to reduce bulky legs because I can relate to it very closely. (I mean, she is pretty amazing, but how did she know that was one of my struggles?)
I always noticed that when I start strength training more, my legs get so much bigger. I’m not complaining really; that’s simple genes for you! Some women just grow muscle more readily in certain areas.
While we can’t do anything to change our genes..we can do something to try to fit into our jeans a little better! (see what I did there?) Again, not complaining; I love my body, but fitting into jeans that I only bought a couple of years ago would be nice.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t workout in order to get bigger muscles. I workout for overall health and fitness. Strength training twice per week is recommended for overall fitness and helps women prevent things such as bone density deterioration and the loss of muscle mass.
The thing is, there are many different ways to strength train! I am very interested to see if doing these specific exercises to reduce bulky legs will help me fit into my jeans more comfortably.
3 Exercises to Reduce Bulky Legs
If you’re tired of being slim everywhere else on your body but bulky in the leg department, it’s time to mix up your workouts and transform your muscles into a longer and leaner version of themselves.
Reducing muscle mass in thighs may sound counterproductive to some people but for many women, especially former athletes, it’s the one area of their body that they wish they could change. Check out my top workouts to reduce inches around your thighs and get the bikini body you’ve always wanted.
1. Boot Camp Workouts
The 30-day squat challenge is trending right now for a reason. Strength training is an important part of changing muscle shape in legs. Controlled resistance training increases lean muscle mass, reduces fat accumulation and cellulite plus boosts insulin sensitivity. This means that you’ll burn more calories. Mix up your training with leg loving lunges, calf raises, reverse lunges or release your inner skater with lateral skate lunges.
- Squats: start with legs just a little wider than shoulder width. Bend down slightly below your knees, putting weight on heels and hands in front. Move hands downwards to help you to get up and transfer weight to your toes.
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Skate Lunges: Jump or step to your right, onto your right leg (which is bent). Place left leg behind and as far right as possible. Stand up and do the same thing on the opposite side.
Do 10 Skater Lunges on each leg, then 20 squats. Repeat 3 sets.
Yep, my legs are definitely huge too! But I LOVE it, my legs are my secret weapon in races to beat the other elites….especially on hills. I know sometimes I look out of proportion, but I know that without those powerful legs, I would not be anywhere close to as fast as I am now 🙂 Great workout though, I do include some of those in my training. Have a wonderful Monday!
I definitely see where you are coming from! I’m not an athlete though, so I don’t NEED my muscles to be big and powerful. I do like being strong, though! It’s definitely a balance and everyone’s preferences are different! You are definitely gorgeous with your big strong butt-kicking running legs! <3
Legs are my favorite because I am stronger there. That also means they get kind of bulky. I need to do more sprinting and get over the fear of running. I also don’t do much Pilates so I should try that too!
I used to do tons of pilates just in my living room using my mom’s workout DVDs! It really does make your muscles look different. I really should find another one…it’s good to mix it up! 🙂
PS I <3 you and that recap!
I swear by Pilates for not only reducing bulky legs (the “long and lean” is kind of a myth though), but for keeping general strength up in areas that need attention for runners and athletes. Most of my PT moves from when I was injured (several times) have been pilates moves.
I didn’t know that pilates was so good for running! I’m definitely finding a pilates DVD! They have those crazy machines at the gym but it costs extra to go to those classes..and those machines weird me out.
I don’t mind a little [muscle] bulk but my legs are so short it doesn’t take much to become too much! More reps and reduce the weight seems to be working well with toning but not adding too much bulk.
I’m short, too so I definitely get that!! I agree that less weight seems to help, but it doesn’t bother me too much. 🙂
What about sprints on the treadmill eill that bulk my thighs if not can u recommend a workout?